The Canada Border Services Agency reported that officers confiscated over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, along with amounts of methamphetamine and heroin, during several enforcement actions last year. Source: CBSA
The Canada Border Services Agency reported that officers confiscated over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, along with amounts of methamphetamine and heroin, during several enforcement actions last year.
Source: CBSA
Border officers in southern Alberta have stopped three commercial trucks carrying large amounts of illegal drugs, leading to charges against three drivers.
The Canada Border Services Agency confirmed that officers intercepted the trucks at the Coutts border crossing late last year. Each stop uncovered a significant shipment of narcotics hidden inside cargo.
First Bust: Cocaine and Heroin Found
On November 26, 2025, officers inspected a truck that carried electrolyte drinks bound for Calgary. During the search, a detector dog team flagged the vehicle.
Officers then carried out a closer inspection and uncovered 461 kilograms of cocaine along with 43 kilograms of suspected heroin concealed inside the shipment.
Authorities arrested the driver at the scene.
Second Interception: More Cocaine Discovered
Less than a week later, on December 2, officers examined another truck pulling an empty trailer. During the inspection, officers found 300 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of suspected dode, which comes from opium poppies.
Officials took the second driver into custody and launched a criminal investigation.
Third Stop: Methamphetamine Hidden in Cargo
On December 18, officers brought in a detector dog to examine a truck transporting vacuum parts. The dog signalled possible contraband.
Officers searched the load and located 206 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden within the shipment. Police arrested the third driver for alleged smuggling.
Officials Speak Out
CBSA Regional Director General for the Prairie Region Janalee Bell-Boychuk praised the work of officers on the ground.
“CBSA officers remain vigilant and dedicated to keeping harmful drugs off our streets,” she said.
“Alongside our RCMP law enforcement partners, we are keeping Canadians safe by securing our borders and disrupting crime.”
Record of Seizures in Alberta
Border officials reported strong enforcement activity throughout 2025. In Alberta alone, officers made 1,292 drug seizures. Those seizures included 1,054 kilograms of cocaine and 279 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Detector dog teams also carried out 29,486 searches last year. During those inspections, officers uncovered 13,986 high-risk food, plant and animal items.
In total, officers made 34,810 seizures involving drugs, firearms and undeclared currency.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities continue to investigate all three cases. The seized drugs will form part of ongoing criminal proceedings.
Border officials say they will maintain close monitoring at major crossings to prevent illegal substances from entering the country.
The Coutts crossing serves as one of the main gateways between Alberta and the United States. Officers say they will continue using intelligence, inspections and detector dog teams to stop illegal shipments before they reach Canadian communities.
